Stem Cells Could Help Young Paralyzed Hockey Player

Having a serious, debilitating injury can spell the end of hope and a regular life for a great many people. But when you’re trained to not give and you fight every step of the way, you at least have some hope; and that can go a long way. Proving that occasionally luck and perseverance go hand in hand, doctors say stem cells could help young paralyzed hockey player.

Accident and current state

Formerly captain of the Chicago Cougars, 20 year old Matt Olson suffered a harrowing spinal cord injury last month during a game. He has been in the hospital ever since, mostly paralyzed, accepting visits from his family and his friends. He is currently at the Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.

Initially seeing little to no odds for Matt’s recovery, his neurosurgeon, Dr. John Ruge said that at first they thought that the young man’s spinal cord was severed. Luckily for the former team captain, it turns out that his spinal cord was only pinched; and even though he is still paralyzed, there are far more chances for recovery.

But that will take a whole lot of time and money. According to Dr. Ruge, Matt’s spinal cord is currently in in the best environment to start recovering as best as possible. So, the young man has already started his physical therapy, mustering the same willpower he did on the ice, despite terrible physical pain.

Family matters

Of course, Matt’s family is there with him to support him every step of the way. Both of his parents have been by his side ever since the unfortunate accident, and even though they don’t want to talk about the details of the accident, they say that it strengthened the bond between them and Matt, as well as his older brother.

But since family is more than just relatives, Matt’s team mates have also been visiting him quite a lot. And even better, the hockey community in his home state of Minnesota have rallied and started a fundraiser to aid Matt in his long and arduous recovery.

Stem cell treatment

The state in which Matt is currently in is absolutely horrific. He is on a ventilator, and has lost the use of his arms and legs. He can slightly shrug, however. At first, the doctors weren’t at all hopeful, assuming that his spinal cord was severed.

Realizing that it was in fact pinched, Matt’s neurosurgeon recommended a certain procedure to the Olsons. A new stem cell treatment might prove extremely beneficial to young Matt, as it might be just what he needs to regain as much control over his body as he can. But that’s millions of dollars away.

About June Harris

June was born and raised in Ligonier, a small historic town in Pennsylvania. She befriended TV cameras at an early age when she was selected to feature in a local TV series for children. Her passion for entertainment grew bigger after June was named Miss Pennsylvania at 16 years old. She was co-opted in various projects ever since and is now a strong promoter of fitness and health activities.